Celebrating Diversity in the Triangle

By Robyn Kinsey Mooring

Published: May 22, 2017

Performers at the African American Cultural Festival
of Raleigh and Wake County lead festival-goers in
celebrating African American culture.

All you have to do is look around to see that the Triangle is becoming a patchwork quilt of diversity, with every square as important to the whole as the next. Teaching children to learn about diverse cultures helps them appreciate and adapt to their expanding world. Here are 13 ways your family can experience a variety of cultures throughout the region.

This festival celebrates art, culture and history through authentic food, desserts from around the world, two stages with nonstop international dances, and special programming for children. Admission is $10-$12; admission on Friday, Oct. 20 between 9 a.m.–4 p.m. is $5.

This popular family event features musicians, dancers, artists, storytellers and authors from North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes. It includes craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, games and food. Admission is free.

This festival celebrates cultural diversity and the Chinese New Year through lantern decorating with local artists, interactive arts and craft creations, a dragon dance workshop, a Peking opera, a Chinese orchestra, old-fashioned Chinese games and traditional cuisine. At dusk, participants are treated to a lantern light-up and parade. Admission is free.

This event makes use of elaborate costumes and props to share Indian folklore and culture with families through a storytelling dance form. Multiple stories from Indian mythology are performed. Admission is free.

Experience African and African-American traditions through music, dance, art and food. A Family Fun Zone is also available for face painting, games and storytelling, as well as where children are taught African drumming. Admission is free.

Museums

The center hosts cultural arts programs and special events related to the African-American experience year-round. Most events are free, but check the website for details regarding specific programming.

There are three unique experiences incorporated into this exhibit. The Penny Poll gives children a chance to pledge a penny to make their community a better place. All money is donated to the American Civil Liberties Union. Cultural Conversations features interactive facilitator-led family discussions about race, and a resource guide suggests resources for children and adults to learn more about diversity. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Get free tickets online or at the museum.

The Triangle is truly one of the most diverse areas of the state, so get out and celebrate how various cultures and history bind us together and make us unique.

Robyn Kinsey Mooring is a Durham-based writer and the mother of two boys.

Annual Guides

The 2018-19 Education Guide offers 678 education resources in the Triangle, including area preschools, private schools, public school systems, charter schools, boarding schools, academic resources and an Exceptional Child special section.